Jump directly to the content
Wrong channel

Blundering Ukip MEP accuses BBC of rigging EU debate in favour of David Cameron – even though it was broadcast by ITV

David Coburn was savagely mocked on Twitter after railing against supposed bias against his party leader Nigel Farage

David Coburn EU debate

A BLUNDERING Ukip politician accused the BBC of rigging an EU debate in favour of David Cameron - even though it was broadcast by ITV.

David Coburn was savagely mocked on Twitter after railing against the supposed bias of the licence-fee funded service against his party leader Nigel Farage.

 Ukip MEP David Coburn blamed the BBC for being bias in last night's debate - which was broadcast by ITV
5
Ukip MEP David Coburn blamed the BBC for being bias in last night's debate - which was broadcast by ITVCredit: Reuters

The MEP said the “BBC knew the questions in advance and chose which audience members speak” in last night’s showdown on the EU referendum.

He added: “And Cameron still lost despite Aunties (sic) best effort."

And he seemed to double down on his ignorance after he was accused of being worryingly ill-informed for an elected politician.

After someone pointed out the debate was in fact on ITV he replied by saying the BBC “are always responsible for all ills”.

And when an ITV journalist replied to his tweet to point out all its inaccuracies he claimed the reporter was being “obtuse”.

He told Chris Ship: “I think you know the purpose of my ‘gaffe’.”

 Mr Coburn claimed his party leader Nigel Farage was the subject of bias in last night's EU debate
5
Mr Coburn claimed his party leader Nigel Farage was the subject of bias in last night's EU debateCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

As they continued to row on Twitter he told Mr Ship: “I have obviously rattled you.”

He later blamed his toaster, which is in reference to the fact he once claimed the EU stopped appliances being powerful enough:

During the televised showdown between the Prime Minister and the Ukip leader, Mr Coburn had declared Mr Cameron to be as "boring as bat guano".

The Tory leader, and head of the official Remain camp, had insisted the UK should fight for its future inside the European Union rather than "quitting" as he claimed campaigners for out were prepared to sacrifice people's jobs to secure their dream of Brexit.

However the PM was accused of telling "five outright lies" by Vote Leave during the audience question and answer session.

 David Cameron faced some tough questioning in last night's ITV debate
5
David Cameron faced some tough questioning in last night's ITV debateCredit: ITV /REX

Mr Cameron was grilled over issues of sovereignty, with one audience member saying it was a "disgrace" that laws were made by "unelected bureaucrats" in Brussels and the Supreme Court could be overruled by European judges.

The PM acknowledged that sometimes the EU "can drive me mad, it is a bureaucracy, it is frustrating".

But he said "walking away, quitting, would reduce our national influence, would reduce our economy, would reduce our say in the world and as a result would damage our country".

He told the audience: "You hear a lot of talk about patriotism in this referendum.

 The PM acknowledged during the debate that sometimes the EU "can drive me mad"
5
The PM acknowledged during the debate that sometimes the EU "can drive me mad"Credit: ITV

"As far as I'm concerned I love this country with a passion, I think we are an amazing country and I say if you love your country then you don't damage its economy, you don't restrict opportunities for young people, you don't actually isolate your country and reduce its influence in the world."

Appearing before him, Mr Farage insisted the cost of EU membership outweighs any benefits as he dismissed warnings about the potential economic impact of Brexit.

 Nigel Farage brandished a British passport as he faced questions about immigration during the ITV debate
5
Nigel Farage brandished a British passport as he faced questions about immigration during the ITV debateCredit: ITV /REX

He said that "no deal" on trade "is better than the rotten deal we have got at the moment".

The Ukip leader faced hostile questions from some audience members, who accused him of "encouraging racism" and said his message had "gone against people who look non-white".


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368


 

Topics